ADV announces first wave of December products

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED SERIES COMES TO AN END WITH THE DECEMBER 2, 2003 RELEASE OF THE SEVENTH VOLUME OF THE TITLE

HOUSTON, October 13, 2003-ADV Films today officially announced a December 2, 2003 release for RahXephon 7-Crescendo, seventh and final volume of the extraordinarily beautiful and complex anime series that captivated millions in Japan, and has been released in the U.S. to a veritable storm of fan excitement and critical acclaim.

Called a visual "masterpiece" by Anime News Network, RahXephon is enjoying strong sales and extraordinary critical response in the U.S. Phantasmagoria Online raves, "RahXephon is without a doubt one of the best mecha series that has ever been produced."

The Story:
At long last, the war with the Mu reaches its climax. The truths that have been hidden are finally revealed. As Ayato stands on the brink of making the ultimate choice, the future of not just one man and one woman, but of two sentient races, hangs in the balance. The symphony of light and terror, of treachery and love, at last completes itself in the final astounding volume of RahXephon.

RahXephon 7-Crescendo (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release, containing three complete episodes of the title. Includes both English 5.1- and Japanese 2.0-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: interviews with the Japanese staff and RahXephon cast; production sketches; clean opening and closing animation; and ADV previews.

SECOND VOLUME OF 25-EPISODE VIDEO GAME TIE-IN SERIES IN STORES DECEMBER 9, 2003

HOUSTON, October 13, 2003-ADV Films today announced a December 9, 2003 release date for the second volume of Final Fantasy: Unlimited, the companion anime television series to the popular Final Fantasy role-playing video games. Final Fantasy: Unlimited-Phase 2 includes four complete episodes and is loaded with extras.

Final Fantasy: Unlimited was directed by Mahiro Maeda, one of the most acclaimed anime directors in Japan. Maeda was recently hand-picked to direct two of the animated shorts included in The Animatrix, the anime side project based on the hit feature film The Matrix.

In a mysterious parallel dimension called Wonderland, Ai and Yu are on a dangerous mission to rescue their missing parents. Lisa, master of the formidable Kigen Arts, protects them from the Earl Tyrant and his henchmen during a blitz of attacks. In Cid, however, the twins have just met their greatest ally yet! A brilliant inventor working with the rebel group the Comodeen, there is nothing existing in Wonderland that Cid cannot make or repair.

Meanwhile, Kaze, wielder of a summoning gun of awesome power, has no memory of his past. His only objective in life is to defeat his sworn rival, Makenshi. How can Kaze commit to protecting Lisa and the twins when he doesn't even know who he is or where he came from?

Collector's Edition Available!
A collector's edition of the series, which includes the first volume of Final Fantasy: Unlimited, a custom series art box, sized to hold the entire series, and a FREE t-shirt offer, is also available (SRP $39.98).

FIRST VOLUME OF THRILLING ANIME FANTASY SERIES' SECOND SEASON AVAILABLE DECEMBER 9, 2003

HOUSTON, October 13, 2003-ADV Films today announced a December 9, 2003 release date for the first volume of Orphen Season Two: Revenge. The initial volume of the series' sequel picks up where Season One left off, staying loyal to the stylish animation, exciting action and quick wit that appealed to a wide range of anime fans during the first season.

Based on Yoshinobu Akita's popular series of Japanese fantasy novels, which spawned both this anime series and the hit Playstation®2 video game, Orphen is an enduring favorite in the spells-and-sorcery genre.

The Story:
Things are never easy for Orphen and his friends. When Cleao wants to find a little relaxation at the local hot springs, the group ends up finding a lot more than warm water. Why has a young woman been trailing them for months? Who is the mystery man that wishes to destroy Orphen? And can a magic lake really make a wish come true?

Orphen Season Two: Revenge, Volume One (SRP $29.98) is a DVD-only release, including four complete episodes. In both English 2.0- and Japanese 2.0-language versions, and English subtitles. DVD extras include: clean opening and closing animation; production sketches; bloopers; and ADV previews.

THREE-DISC COLLECTION OF THIRD SEASON OF TELEVISION SERIES TO BE AVAILABLE DECEMBER 2, 2003

HOUSTON, October 13, 2003-ADV Films today announced a December 2, 2003 release date for City Hunter 3. The subtitled, Japanese-only collection includes all 13 episodes of the legendary, long-running Japanese animated television series' third season. City Hunter is centered on the (mis)adventures of .357-packing professional bodyguard/clean-up man Ryo Saeba, known as City Hunter. For all his abilities, City Hunter is burdened by an active libido-which always seems to get in the way of his missions!

The City Hunterfranchise has generated millions of dollars in revenue worldwide, with comic books, movies, a television series, and other merchandise all enjoying strong viewership and brisk sales. The City Hunter manga series by Tsukasa Hojo sold millions of copies every week in Japan, while the television series scored big ratings all over the world. City Hunter also spawned a hit film starring international movie star Jackie Chan.

The Story:City Hunter's back! Ryo Saeba and his long-suffering partner Kaori are out to make the streets of Shinjuku safe for the weak, the poor, the down-trodden, the... Well, actually, Ryo's just hoping for a little nookie from a grateful client. And Kaori's just hoping her 100-ton hammer is big enough to get Ryo's mind off the girls and on his job. With a bevy of beautiful women and a host of dastardly villains hanging around, City Hunter's got to be ready for any kind of action in City Hunter TV 3!

City Hunter 3 (SRP $44.98) is a DVD-only release, including 13 complete episodes on three DVDs. In Japanese 2.0, with English subtitles. Includes ADV Previews.

THE ORIGINAL GIRLS WITH GUNS RETURN FOR ANOTHER ACTION-PACKED ADVENTURE; AVAILABLE DECEMBER 2, 2003

HOUSTON, October 13, 2003-ADV Films today announced a December 2, 2003 street date for Original Dirty Pair: Affair of Nolandia, another OVA release from the fan-favorite Dirty Pairfranchise.

The Dirty Pair brand, with its proven and rewarding combination of excitement, mayhem and sexy heroines, underwent many manifestations over 1980s and 1990s, including numerous anime series and successful manga and comic adaptations on both sides of the Pacific.

Original Dirty Pair: Affair of Nolandia was originally released in Japan in 1985, shortly after the airing of last episode of the Dirty Pair television series. It is recognized for returning the Dirty Pair to the more mature incarnation and more complex storyline characteristic of story creator Haruka Takachiho's (Crusher Joe) original novellas.

The Story:
The Dirty Pair are traveling to the planet of Ookbar in search of a missing girl. Kei and Yuri have traced Missinie to the forest of Nolandia, but their investigations have stalled thanks to the less-than-helpful Chief of Security. But the Dirty Pair have never let a little bureaucracy stand in their way. It's the unicorns and UFOs, not to mention the rampaging killer robot, that are going to be the problem as the Dirty Pair tackle their toughest case yet in Affair of Nolandia!

Original Dirty Pair: Affair of Nolandia (SRP $19.98) is a DVD-only release of the OVA, including both English 2.0- and Japanese 2.0-language versions of the title, with English subtitles. Includes ADV Previews.

SECOND VOLUME OF THE ACTION-PACKED, STEAM-POWERED DETECTIVE SERIES AVAILABLE ON DVD DECEMBER 2, 2003

HOUSTON, October 13, 2003-ADV Films today announced a December 2, 2003 release date for the second volume of Steam Detectives, the suspenseful detective series based on a manga by Kia Asamiya (Martian Successor Nadesico, Silent Möbius). The story of a young detective and his nurse sidekick, Steam Detectives has been applauded for its evocative animation and retro feel, inspiring comparisons to graphic art detective classics such as Dick Tracy and Batman.

The Story:
Orphaned boy detective Narutaki finds himself up against a tour-de-force of thieves, tyrants, and an archenemy who may yet prove more than his match! With the city overrun with crooks and villains of all breeds and creeds, Narutaki must protect Steam City at any cost from those who would destroy it with their nefarious desires.

Squaring off against the dastardly schemes of Crimson Scorpion, Baron Machine, Le Bled, Night Phantom and Dr. Guilty, Narutaki must thwart evil and unravel the mysteries of each crime, before it can happen!

Part gothic, part mystery Noir, part industrial-age mechanical mayhem, Steam Detectives is a one-way ticket on the adventure express!

Steam Detectives: Case Two (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release, including five complete episodes. In both English 5.1- and Japanese 2.0-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: a tri-fold insert with pre-production materials from creator Kia Asamiya; production sketches; Japanese opening animation; clean closing animation; Steam Detectives trailer; and ADV Previews.

SECOND VOLUME OF OVA TIE-IN TO POPULAR ALL-PURPOSE CULTURAL CAT GIRL NUKU NUKU TITLE TO BE AVAILABLE DECEMBER 9, 2003

HOUSTON, October 13, 2003-ADV Films today set a December 9, 2003 release date for All Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku DASH! Mode 2, second volume of the OVA tie-in to the fan favorite Nuku Nuku series, based on a manga by Yuzo Takada (3x3 Eyes, Blue Seed). This version of the title puts a whole new spin on the first OVA, combining teenage romance with exciting action sequences. (In a special note, ADV Films' sister division, ADV Manga, will be releasing the Nuku Nuku manga in an English-language edition!)

The Story:
Meow! Ryunosuke Natsume is crazy for Nuku Nuku, a gorgeous 19-year-old living with his family. But he doesn't know she's a renegade androbot who Mishima Industries is desperately trying to recapture! The fun begins when Ryunosuke wants his friends to think he's dating Nuku Nuku. A white lie convinces her to act the part, but has unintended consequences!

On a bike ride, Nuku Nuku (who is part cat) spots an abandoned litter of kittens. Suddenly, she finds her feline instincts for motherhood kicking into overdrive! Then on a long, cold, rainy day, Ryunosuke and Nuku Nuku befriend a runaway called Yuko. Raised in a windowless prison, Yuko has a single dying wish: to see the clear, blue sky. Then an industrial accident at Mishima unleashes a top-secret weapon that threatens to raze Maneki City. Worse, the weapon takes control of a motorbike Ryunosuke is riding and traps him. You don't want to miss another installment of Nuku Nuku Dash!

All Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku DASH! Mode 2 (DVD $29.98 SRP) includes four complete episodes with both English 2.0- and Japanese 2.0-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include clean open and closing animation and ADV Previews.

SIXTH AND FINAL VOLUME OF INTRIGUING ANIME SERIES TO BE AVAILABLE DECEMBER 9, 2003

HOUSTON, October 13, 2003-ADV Films today set a street date of December 9, 2003 for the release of Neo Ranga: The Search for Paradise, the concluding volume of the critically acclaimed anime series.

Directed by Jun Kamiya (Blue Seed), Neo Ranga was widely celebrated on its original Japanese broadcast for the quality of its design and backgrounds, for the title's use of music, and for an intriguing and original plot. Neo Ranga: The Search for Paradise concludes the second season of Neo Ranga, which was produced in Japan due to overwhelming public demand.

The Story:
The paradise built by Ushio, Minami, and Yuuhi is slipping through their fingers. New rampages and resurrections bring forth the most difficult enemy yet-the god Ibuki. Overwhelming Neo Ranga with an awesome display of power, this new foe leaves him for dead in the snowy wastes of northern Japan.

Neo Ranga: The Search for Paradise (SRP $29.98) is a DVD-only release, containing eight 15-minute episodes. Includes both English 2.0- and Japanese 2.0-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: an art gallery; translator notes; clean opening and closing animation; a Neo Ranga trailer; and ADV Previews.

THIRD VOLUME OF FUN-FILLED ANIME SERIES AVAILABLE IN STORES DECEMBER 9, 2003

HOUSTON, October 13, 2003-ADV Films today announced a street date of December 9, 2003 for the third volume of the popular shoujo anime series Super GALS: Ran Loves Shibuya!

This energetic anime is credited with successfully combining the light comedy characteristic of high school girls-shopping, high-school gossip, and teen romance-with strong and compelling storylines. An added bonus for many U.S. fans is how the series provides stateside audiences with a glimpse of Japanese pop culture.

The Story:
When Ran Kotobuki, the World's Greatest GAL, decides to help a friend, it's rarely with moderation. Playing mentor to a wannabe GAL, Ran performs feats that even she finds daunting! And to help a kendo student become national champion, Ran accepts the greatest challenge of all...a job!

As if this wasn't enough, Ran organizes a competition for all the guys in Shibuya. If one of them can survive her series of grueling tests, he wins the ultimate prize: Ran! But the Ran all those guys are fighting for may disappear forever! After a run-in with a magic arcade game and some ill-considered wishes, the World's Greatest GAL is transformed into the World's Dullest GAL.

Super GALS Ran Loves Shibuya! (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release, including four complete episodes in both English 5.1- and Japanese 2.0-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: printed poster insert with cultural notes; "The Super GALS Explain It All" segment explaining the series' cultural references; clean opening and closing animation; and ADV Previews.

About ADV Films:
In 1992, ADV Films began to forge the international market for Japanese animation ("anime") by combining unique titles, outstanding production values and efficient large-scale distribution. Today, ADV Films is the #1 producer-distributor of Japanese animation to the North American market, with the firm's holdings including such premier titles as NOIR, Sailor Moon, Samurai X, Hello Kitty's Paradise, RahXephon, Spriggan, Robotech, Full Metal Panic! and Neon Genesis Evangelion. In addition, ADV Films' product line has expanded to include other forms of genre programming, including live-action science fiction programs Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda, Mutant X and The Jim Henson Company's Farscape, and classic science fiction such as the updated Gamera trilogy. ADV Films' parent company, A.D. Vision, Inc. also publishes Newtype USA, the premier anime and manga monthly in the English-speaking world, and operates Anime Network(tm), broadcasting anime and anime-related programming via digital cable, 24 hours a day. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, USA, with additional offices in the EU and Japan, and distribution on four continents, ADV Films is fast becoming an international entertainment powerhouse. For more information, visit ADV Films on the web at .

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